Overview
Be carried away by Avalon’s signature included Classic, Active, or Discovery experiences of your choice—from the regal histories of castles and Châteaux to the romantic cellars where wine bouquets and bon-vivant cuisine tempt the palate. While the landscapes and lush pastoral treasures are plentiful along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne, Avalon elevates each immersive experience for a deeper discovery of the cultural and architectural treasures that recall the rich traditions of Southwest France. From unparalleled panoramic drives to forested two-wheel excursions by bike to the delicacies of seaside Arcachon—the world is your oyster on this adventure in la belle vie of Bordeaux!
Itinerary
Bienvenue en France!
Take free time today to fall in love with the world's most romantic city. Get inspired by its architectural icons, exquisite cuisine, chic boutiques, and priceless artistic treasures.
Cafés, Cathedrals and Canvases in the city of Light
- Classic Join a Guided City Tour that shows the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs - Élysées.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs - Élysées for café au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, or visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacré Cœur.
Consider browsing Paris' classic shopping avenues and literary cafés for a true Parisian experience, or have your portrait sketched by a Parisian artist in the square at Place du Tertre. (B)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
This morning, travel to Bordeaux to board your Suite Ship® and start your cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. (B/D)
*Note: Ship may sail in the evening to Cadillac-sur-Garonne based on tide and water levels.
On the Steps of Montesquieu
- Discovery Join a delicious onboard experience in Bordeaux wines with a presentation by a worldclass wine sommelier.
- Classic Take a guided tour of Château de la Brède—birthplace of Montesquieu—political philosopher and author of “The Spirit of Law.” Visit the fortress - style castle still reflected in its impressive moat, OR:
- Discovery Join a guided visit with wine tasting at a local wine estate. Sip the sweet notes and fresh acidity of Sauternes, the beloved golden - yellow wine.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your Suite Ship®. (B/L/D)
*Note: Sailing to Cadillac-sur-Garonne pending tides and water levels. Alternative motorcoach transportation for today's excursions provided.
Bikes, Vines, and Wines
This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing to Cussac Fort Médoc. Visit the Adventure Center for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
- Active Enjoy a relaxing E-bike guided tour in Bordeaux's finest wine region. You will be amazed by the picturesque countryside while you enjoy a wonderful ride through the vineyards, OR:
- Discovery Take a scenic drive through the famed Médoc wine country and enjoy a tasting of their wonderful wines, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as protagonists.
This evening, enjoy a brief sailing to Blaye. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BLAYE. (B/L/D)
Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
Ask your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
- Active Join a refreshing power walk through the historic Citadel of Blaye with your Adventure Host, OR:
- Discovery Join a guided tour to discover Blaye from a different perspective, including a visit to a local art gallery with wine tasting, OR:
- Classic Take a a panoramic drive following the famed Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the River Dordogne, followed by guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Relaxing afternoon sailing on the Dordogne River to Bourg.
- Classic Take a wonderful walking tour in the Citadel of Bourg on the banks of the Dordogne River and visit the carriage museum.
Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to learn how the Fine Champagne of Cognac is made while enjoying a Rémy Martin tasting. Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship. (B/L/D)
The Village Amid the Vineyards
- Discovery Enjoy a guided visit to Saint - Émilion to discover one Bordeaux' must - see wine-growing towns and celebrate your day with a wine tasting, OR:
- Classic Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint - Émilion—a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes,OR:
- Classic Take an orientation walking tour to discover the history and beauty of Libourne, where wine and wonderful views are cherished in the 12th-century fortified town. (B/L/D)
Bordeaux Sights and Brilliant Lights
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.- Discovery While sailing to Bordeaux, enjoy a pastry demonstration.
- Active Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
- Classic Join a guided walking tour to discover the heart of Bordeaux with a stroll amid its stunning squares, avenues, and cathedrals sights. (B/L/D)
Seas, Shells, and Sips
- Active Join your Adventure Host for a bike ride along Bordeaux' postcard river views of the Les Quais, OR:
- Classic Take a guided tour to La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's iconic wine museum and cultural center, OR:
- Classic Join a full-day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast. Gaze upon its 19th-century architectural treasures and taste its local delicacy of oysters and wine.
This afternoon, consider an optional guided excursion to Les Bassins des Lumières for a breathtaking visit to the submarine base where art and music surround you in an immersive experience. (B/L/D)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard Avalon Artistry II
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Avalon's award-winning Suite Ships. Read more
With the only Open-Air Balconies in river cruising, experience Europe with a view like no other in a Panorama Suite. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious river cruise experience. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Avalon's Active & Discovery river cruises offer activities for travelers with varying interests & for all energy and fitness levels. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
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Avalon River Cruises (2025-26)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
